polarization
/pəʊlərʌɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n
/(also polarisation)
noun [mass noun]
1Division into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs: the polarization of society between rich and poor...
- The result has been a growing polarization of incomes.
- The main factor inhibiting the involvement of the public is the polarization of the debate.
- For me, 2003 saw an increasing polarisation within the classical music world.
2 Physics The action of restricting the vibrations of a transverse wave, especially light, wholly or partially to one direction: changes in polarization of light passing through the atmosphere...
- The sunglasses 'measure' horizontal polarization when they block some of the light reflected from flat surfaces.
- If the dust cloud or explosion is spherical and uniformly smooth, all orientations are equally represented and the net polarization is zero.
- The polarization was likely due to the interaction of high-speed ejecta from the explosion.
3 Physics The action of causing something to acquire polarity: probes need to warm up to ensure proper polarization of the electrodes the polarization of water molecules...
- The solvent and the electronic polarization of the protein are treated by a dielectric continuum model.
- The protein polarization was dominated by atomic rearrangements.
- The proposed mechanism for breakage of the actomyosin cortex may be used for cell polarization.
- astigmatic
- astigmatism
- astilbe
- astir
- Asti Spumante
- a stitch in time saves nine
- ASTM
- ASTMS
- as to
- a stone's throw
- Aston, Francis William
- astonish
- astonished
- astonishing
- astonishingly
- astonishment
- Astoria
- Astor, John Jacob
- a storm in a teacup
- Astor, Nancy
- (as) tough as nails
- astound
- astounding
- astoundingly
- astraddle